Serena Rossi - Editor
Editor
Experience 5+ years
“My favourite part of the project is having a first session with the Director, getting to know each other if it’s the first time working together or simply having a good old catch-up if it’s a Director I know. I love being able to collaborate in the edit suite, bouncing ideas off each other and generally having fun while crafting a story together.”
Describe your job role and the kinds of projects/clients you work with.
I am an offline editor at Nomad. I mostly edit Ads for brands whilst also working on social content, music videos and short films.
What does an average day look like in your post production working world?
I always start my day with a strong cuppa whilst catching up with my fellow Nomads in the staff kitchen! Depending on what stage I am at on a project, I catch up with my producer and assistant to come up with a plan of action for the day/week. We discuss what deadlines we are working towards and plan accordingly. At the beginning of a job, I like to refresh my mind by reading treatments, scripts, and boards. I then check in with the Director to discuss any info I need before taking a first look at the footage. Once my project is prepped, I start my selecting process, which is where I get really excited! Sometimes I get so excited that I want to start cutting straight away, but I have to remind myself that the selecting process is crucial for creating a strong foundation before editing. Once I have watched through everything and made my selects, I start editing a first assembly to present to the director. This can be nerve-wracking at times, especially if it's the first time working together, but it's also a really exciting place to be because it's the first time you see the footage coming together since visualising it from scripts and boards on paper. My favourite part of the project is having a first session with the Director, getting to know each other if it's the first time working together or simply having a good old catch-up if it's a Director I know. I love being able to collaborate in the edit suite, bouncing ideas off each other and generally having fun while crafting a story together.
How did your career in post production begin?
My career in post-production began with a passion for music videos and storytelling. I didn't follow the 'traditional' path of going to film school. In fact, it wasn't until my last year of my dance degree that I realised I wanted to pursue a career in editing. I took a module that explored creating dance films, which I loved. I became quite obsessed with editing and was always the last one to leave the editing suites! After I graduated, I joined Marshall Street Editors in Soho, where I worked my way up from a runner to an assistant. This was my first job breaking into the industry and it was a great experience working in a fast-paced offline post house. A few years later, I joined Nomad, where I feel I have really been able to excel, explore my own style, and work on countless projects with many different creatives.
What has been your career highlight?
A career highlight has been working at Nomad who have given me opportunities to progress and grow as an Editor. When Nomad's MD & Partner, Liv Lawton, and Partner, Martin Goodwin, took me for lunch last summer and said they'd like to promote me to Editor, I was honestly over the moon and so excited. It meant all the late nights and long shifts as an assistant over the past five years were worth it and had paid off. This past year has been a highlight, meeting new directors and creatives and being able to work on some amazing projects for brands such as Puma, Gatorade, Very, Activia and Virgin Media & O2. Also, seeing the Puma x Jack Grealish campaign I edited, Directed by the amazing Caroline Hajny, screened on Carnaby Street outside and inside the store was epic! Speaking of the wonderful Caroline Hajny, another highlight together has been editing Carrie's short film "Diary of A Ghost," which is screening this summer. I have been working with Carrie for a few years now, and it was the best experience being able to work on a narrative piece together. The film follows a young woman grappling with the loss of her first love and the grief that has inhabited her for a year.
Who are your role models in post?
All women in post are my role models. I admire them greatly, especially those who have paved the way for up-and-coming women in the industry, giving us the confidence to work hard and chase our career dreams in a male-dominated industry. Looking back over the years I have seen a change in equal opportunities, which I am grateful for, and I really hope it continues.
What advice do you have for others wanting to start a career in post?
My advice is to embrace every opportunity, no matter how big or small, as you will learn something new about yourself each time. Keep pushing forward, developing your skills and growing your showreel; even a small job can lead to something amazing.
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